What does sustainability mean to you? Does it mean recycling those Missouri Wine bottles when you’re done with them or buying local products?

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines sustainable as involving methods that do not completely use up or destroy natural resources or as able to last or continue for a long time. Whatever sustainable means to you, we can all agree that we want Missouri Wine around for the foreseeable future.  Missouri Wineries are employing lots of different kinds of sustainable practices to ensure just that.

It starts from the ground up. Many wineries in the state have re-purposed and refit existing structures rather than building new. Wineries can be found in buildings that claim past lives as everything from homesteads to churches, schools, barns and even orphanages. Some wineries that are building new structures have considered sustainability when from the start by incorporating energy efficient equipment and geothermal heating and cooling while building.

When it comes to the vines themselves, there are so many different things that are done in Missouri vineyards to ensure good stewardship of the land, it’s impossible to list them all. Some wineries choose earth-friendly weed control despite the extra time and effort it can require. Others employ sophisticated moisture sensors and irrigation to discourage wasted water. Many have composting programs, but one of the most important things that most wineries and vineyards in the state do is grow grape varieties that are suited to our demanding weather patterns.

The sustainable practices don’t stop in the vineyards. Whether it’s a company-wide recycling initiative, using solar power, or buying locally sourced and made barrels, many Missouri wineries are committed to making choices that are good for the environment and their customers.

Missouri wine pairs well with sustainability.